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Go green at these Phoenix Earth Day 2018 events

4/4-8: 'The Cat Came Back' | Based on the folk song, the hilarious "The Cat Came Back" tells the story of Mr. Johnson and a mysterious cat who keeps returning to his doorstep. For more information, visit the artist’s website at mesnerpuppets.org. | Details: April 4-8. 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. $10; $7 for children 12 or younger. 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org. Claus Wawrzinek

April 2018 things to do for kids and families

4/4-8: 'The Cat Came Back' | Based on the folk song, the hilarious "The Cat Came Back" tells the story of Mr. Johnson and a mysterious cat who keeps returning to his doorstep. For more information, visit the artist’s website at mesnerpuppets.org. | Details: April 4-8. 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. $10; $7 for children 12 or younger. 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org.
Claus Wawrzinek

4/7: Chandler Family Bird Walk | On the first Saturday of the month from November through April, Desert Rivers Audubon offers guided bird walks for people of all ages. The group provides Bird Bingo cards for kids, and will loan out binoculars. The walks, led by an expert field guide, last about 45 minutes. | Details: 8 a.m. Saturday, April 7. Veterans Oasis Park and Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler. Free. visitchandler.com. Getty Images

April 2018 things to do for kids and families

4/7: Chandler Family Bird Walk | On the first Saturday of the month from November through April, Desert Rivers Audubon offers guided bird walks for people of all ages. The group provides Bird Bingo cards for kids, and will loan out binoculars. The walks, led by an expert field guide, last about 45 minutes. | Details: 8 a.m. Saturday, April 7. Veterans Oasis Park and Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler. Free. visitchandler.com.
Getty Images

4/7: 'Despicable Me 3' | The free, Moonlit Drive-In Movie series begins April 7 and continues every Saturday through the end of the month at the Promenade, next to the Golden Spoon Yogurt Parking lot. Moviegoers are asked to bring a canned food donation to benefit the Harvest Compassion Food Bank. A balloon twister will make free balloon animals. Other contests and activities are planned before the movie is shown on a 32-foot-high inflatable screen. | Details: Festivities start at 6:30 p.m. The movie begins at 7:30 p.m. The Promenade, 16215 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Free. scottsdalepromenade.com. AP

April 2018 things to do for kids and families

4/7: 'Despicable Me 3' | The free, Moonlit Drive-In Movie series begins April 7 and continues every Saturday through the end of the month at the Promenade, next to the Golden Spoon Yogurt Parking lot. Moviegoers are asked to bring a canned food donation to benefit the Harvest Compassion Food Bank. A balloon twister will make free balloon animals. Other contests and activities are planned before the movie is shown on a 32-foot-high inflatable screen. | Details: Festivities start at 6:30 p.m. The movie begins at 7:30 p.m. The Promenade, 16215 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Free. scottsdalepromenade.com.
AP

4/7: 7th CycloMesa Unchained Bike Festival 2018 | Join over 10,000 people for a day full of all things bicycle. From the start/finish line of El Tour de Mesa to the BMX Freestyle Show to the Extreme Sports Zone, the food and Kids’ Zone, there is something for everyone. | Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 7. Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., Mesa. Free. 480-644-2178, www.mesaconventioncenter.com. Handout/Visit Mesa

April 2018 things to do for kids and families

4/7: 7th CycloMesa Unchained Bike Festival 2018 | Join over 10,000 people for a day full of all things bicycle. From the start/finish line of El Tour de Mesa to the BMX Freestyle Show to the Extreme Sports Zone, the food and Kids’ Zone, there is something for everyone. | Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 7. Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., Mesa. Free. 480-644-2178, www.mesaconventioncenter.com.
Handout/Visit Mesa

4/7: Peoria Arts and Cultural Festival | The city is teaming up with the Peoria Unified School District to present a day of performances and activities. Highlights include student art displays, a children’s area, live performances, craft activities and food trucks. | Details: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 7. Old Town Peoria, between Peoria and Grand avenues. Free. 623-773-7000, peoriaaz.gov. City of Peoria

April 2018 things to do for kids and families

4/7: Peoria Arts and Cultural Festival | The city is teaming up with the Peoria Unified School District to present a day of performances and activities. Highlights include student art displays, a children’s area, live performances, craft activities and food trucks. | Details: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 7. Old Town Peoria, between Peoria and Grand avenues. Free. 623-773-7000, peoriaaz.gov.
City of Peoria

4/11-15: Maricopa County Fair | True to its agricultural roots, the fair includes a livestock show with pigs, sheep, goat, cattle, rabbits and chickens. But it also has thrill rides, fried foods, carnival games, performances and a shopping pavilion with more than 60 vendors. Food choices include fried coffee, deep-fried Oreos and Twinkies and mac-and-cheese hot dogs. | Details: April 11-15. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 19th Avenue and McDowell Road, Phoenix. $9; free for ages 7 and younger. maricopacountyfair.org. Pat Shannahan/The Republic

April 2018 things to do for kids and families

4/11-15: Maricopa County Fair | True to its agricultural roots, the fair includes a livestock show with pigs, sheep, goat, cattle, rabbits and chickens. But it also has thrill rides, fried foods, carnival games, performances and a shopping pavilion with more than 60 vendors. Food choices include fried coffee, deep-fried Oreos and Twinkies and mac-and-cheese hot dogs. | Details: April 11-15. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 19th Avenue and McDowell Road, Phoenix. $9; free for ages 7 and younger. maricopacountyfair.org.
Pat Shannahan/The Republic

4/14: Gilbert Global Village Festival | Celebrate cultural traditions from around the world at this family-friendly event. See traditional and contemporary forms of dance, music and art while tasting ethnic foods. The event also features arts and crafts, and children's activities while offering a friendly and educational way to learn more about culture and traditions. | Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 14. Gilbert Civic Center, North Campus, 50 E. Civic Center Drive. Free. 480-503-6200, gilbertaz.gov. Murphy Bannerman/The Republic

April 2018 things to do for kids and families

4/14: Gilbert Global Village Festival | Celebrate cultural traditions from around the world at this family-friendly event. See traditional and contemporary forms of dance, music and art while tasting ethnic foods. The event also features arts and crafts, and children's activities while offering a friendly and educational way to learn more about culture and traditions. | Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 14. Gilbert Civic Center, North Campus, 50 E. Civic Center Drive. Free. 480-503-6200, gilbertaz.gov.
Murphy Bannerman/The Republic

4/14: 'The Lego Batman Movie' | The free, Moonlit Drive-In Movie series begins April 7 and continues every Saturday through the end of the month at The Promenade, next to the Golden Spoon Yogurt Parking lot. Moviegoers are asked to bring a canned food donation to benefit the Harvest Compassion Food Bank. A balloon twister will make free balloon animals. Other contests and activities are planned before the movie is shown on a 32-foot-high inflatable screen. | Details: Festivities start at 6:30 p.m. The movie begins at 7:30 p.m. The Promenade, 16215 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Free. scottsdalepromenade.com. Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

April 2018 things to do for kids and families

4/14: 'The Lego Batman Movie' | The free, Moonlit Drive-In Movie series begins April 7 and continues every Saturday through the end of the month at The Promenade, next to the Golden Spoon Yogurt Parking lot. Moviegoers are asked to bring a canned food donation to benefit the Harvest Compassion Food Bank. A balloon twister will make free balloon animals. Other contests and activities are planned before the movie is shown on a 32-foot-high inflatable screen. | Details: Festivities start at 6:30 p.m. The movie begins at 7:30 p.m. The Promenade, 16215 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Free. scottsdalepromenade.com.
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

4/14-15: Phoenix Art Museum Free Weekend | Gain free admission to the Phoenix Art Museum the second weekend of every month. Children can participate in activities, scavenger hunts, watch live performances, hear storytelling, get free tours, and more. They also get to make art with a featured local Valley artist, like a muralist or dancer. | Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 14; noon-5 p.m. Sunday, April 15. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. Free. 602-257-1880 or phxart.org/event. Phoenix Art Museum

April 2018 things to do for kids and families

4/14-15: Phoenix Art Museum Free Weekend | Gain free admission to the Phoenix Art Museum the second weekend of every month. Children can participate in activities, scavenger hunts, watch live performances, hear storytelling, get free tours, and more. They also get to make art with a featured local Valley artist, like a muralist or dancer. | Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 14; noon-5 p.m. Sunday, April 15. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. Free. 602-257-1880 or phxart.org/event.
Phoenix Art Museum

4/14-15: My Nana’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge | This tasty two-day event celebrates the most popular condiment in the United States. The salsa-themed celebration features more than 100 freshly made salsas that attendees are welcome to sample. Enjoy live music and a KidZone, vote for your favorite salsa chef, and wash down the chips and salsa with cold beer and margaritas. | Details: April 14-15. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Sloan Park, 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa. $15; $12 pre-sale until April 13; $55 VIP. Free for 12 and younger. salsachallenge.com. The Republic

April 2018 things to do for kids and families

4/14-15: My Nana’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge | This tasty two-day event celebrates the most popular condiment in the United States. The salsa-themed celebration features more than 100 freshly made salsas that attendees are welcome to sample. Enjoy live music and a KidZone, vote for your favorite salsa chef, and wash down the chips and salsa with cold beer and margaritas. | Details: April 14-15. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Sloan Park, 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa. $15; $12 pre-sale until April 13; $55 VIP. Free for 12 and younger. salsachallenge.com.
The Republic

4/21: 'Cars 3' | The free, Moonlit Drive-In Movie series begins April 7 and continues every Saturday through the end of the month at The Promenade, next to the Golden Spoon Yogurt Parking lot. Moviegoers are asked to bring a canned food donation to benefit the Harvest Compassion Food Bank. A balloon twister will make free balloon animals. Other contests and activities are planned before the movie is shown on a 32-foot-high inflatable screen. | Details: Festivities start at 6:30 p.m. The movie begins at 7:30 p.m. The Promenade, 16215 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Free. scottsdalepromenade.com. Pixar, AP

April 2018 things to do for kids and families

4/21: 'Cars 3' | The free, Moonlit Drive-In Movie series begins April 7 and continues every Saturday through the end of the month at The Promenade, next to the Golden Spoon Yogurt Parking lot. Moviegoers are asked to bring a canned food donation to benefit the Harvest Compassion Food Bank. A balloon twister will make free balloon animals. Other contests and activities are planned before the movie is shown on a 32-foot-high inflatable screen. | Details: Festivities start at 6:30 p.m. The movie begins at 7:30 p.m. The Promenade, 16215 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Free. scottsdalepromenade.com.
Pixar, AP

4/21-22: Arab American Festival | Take in the Arab-American culture, food and music. This two-day event features dozens of international singers, musicians, dancers and performers from all over the Arab World. Live entertainment, folklore shows, belly dancing, an international food court, hookah lounge, kids' rides, and vendors are featured. They also have a kids zone for children aged 3-14. | Details: 4-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 21-22. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E Indian School Road, Phoenix. $5 from 4 to 6 p.m.; $10 after 6 p.m. arabamericanfestival.org. Arab American Festival

April 2018 things to do for kids and families

4/21-22: Arab American Festival | Take in the Arab-American culture, food and music. This two-day event features dozens of international singers, musicians, dancers and performers from all over the Arab World. Live entertainment, folklore shows, belly dancing, an international food court, hookah lounge, kids' rides, and vendors are featured. They also have a kids zone for children aged 3-14. | Details: 4-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 21-22. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E Indian School Road, Phoenix. $5 from 4 to 6 p.m.; $10 after 6 p.m. arabamericanfestival.org.
Arab American Festival

4/21: Western shootout in Cave Creek | Six Gun Entertainment will stage a wild West shoot out in Cave Creek's Frontier Town with stunt men, actors and actresses that make the Old West come alive. Spectators can stick around and take photos and visit with the Six Gun crew. | Details: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The shoot out begins at noon. Frontier Town, 6245 E. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek. Free. frontiertownaz.com. Six Gun Entertainment

April 2018 things to do for kids and families

4/21: Western shootout in Cave Creek | Six Gun Entertainment will stage a wild West shoot out in Cave Creek's Frontier Town with stunt men, actors and actresses that make the Old West come alive. Spectators can stick around and take photos and visit with the Six Gun crew. | Details: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The shoot out begins at noon. Frontier Town, 6245 E. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek. Free. frontiertownaz.com.
Six Gun Entertainment

4/26: Movies in the Courtyard: 'Wonder Woman' | Enjoy a great movie outdoors at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Watch Wonder Woman own the screen and make jaws drop not only with her looks but with her epic Amazonian battle skills while venturing outside the secret island, Themyscira, for the first time to meet her fate. Participating retailers will offer grab-and-go meal deals, perfect for an evening picnic in front of the big screen at the center’s Barnes & Noble Courtyard. | Details: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 26. Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. Free. shopdesertridge.com/event/movies. Clay Enos/Warner Bros.

April 2018 things to do for kids and families

4/26: Movies in the Courtyard: 'Wonder Woman' | Enjoy a great movie outdoors at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Watch Wonder Woman own the screen and make jaws drop not only with her looks but with her epic Amazonian battle skills while venturing outside the secret island, Themyscira, for the first time to meet her fate. Participating retailers will offer grab-and-go meal deals, perfect for an evening picnic in front of the big screen at the center’s Barnes & Noble Courtyard. | Details: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 26. Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. Free. shopdesertridge.com/event/movies.
Clay Enos/Warner Bros.

4/28: 'Coco' | The free, Moonlit Drive-In Movie series begins April 7 and continues every Saturday through the end of the month at The Promenade, next to the Golden Spoon Yogurt Parking lot. Moviegoers are asked to bring a canned food donation to benefit the Harvest Compassion Food Bank. A balloon twister will make free balloon animals. Other contests and activities are planned before the movie is shown on a 32-foot-high inflatable screen. | Details: Festivities start at 6:30 p.m. The movie begins at 7:30 p.m. The Promenade, 16215 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Free. scottsdalepromenade.com. Pixar/AP

April 2018 things to do for kids and families

4/28: 'Coco' | The free, Moonlit Drive-In Movie series begins April 7 and continues every Saturday through the end of the month at The Promenade, next to the Golden Spoon Yogurt Parking lot. Moviegoers are asked to bring a canned food donation to benefit the Harvest Compassion Food Bank. A balloon twister will make free balloon animals. Other contests and activities are planned before the movie is shown on a 32-foot-high inflatable screen. | Details: Festivities start at 6:30 p.m. The movie begins at 7:30 p.m. The Promenade, 16215 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Free. scottsdalepromenade.com.
Pixar/AP

Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries:

April 2018 things to do for kids and families

4/4-8: 'The Cat Came Back' | Based on the folk song, the hilarious "The Cat Came Back" tells the story of Mr. Johnson and a mysterious cat who keeps returning to his doorstep. For more information, visit the artist’s website at mesnerpuppets.org. | Details: April 4-8. 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. $10; $7 for children 12 or younger. 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org.

It’s easy to be green with these Earth Day 2018 events throughout the Phoenix metro area.

This year, Earth Day falls on Sunday, April 22, so you can spend some time over the weekend getting your green on. There also are Earth-friendly events in the days leading up to the holiday. Here are events where you can learn more about protecting our planet.

Phoenix College Earth Day Expo

Students, staff and community members can learn ways to implement sustainability solutions throughout daily life. Displays include the Interior Design Club and its work with reused plastics and the chance to see bees in action. Bring your favorite rock to the Ask-a-Geologist booth and get a free pass to an Arizona State Park.

Earth Day Phoenix

Celebrate Earth Day with exhibitors, mini eco-classes and more. This is a zero-waste event, meaning all waste will be recyclable or compostable. Parking is limited so alternative modes of transportation such as light rail or biking are recommended. Enjoy music, face and body painting and grab lunch from one of the three food trucks.

New River Trail cleanup

Help pick up trash and debris along the New River trail system. Come by yourself or gather up your friends for a morning of cleanup. Pre-registered volunteers need to check in by 7 a.m. Onsite registration starts at 6:30 a.m. To take part, complete the online form or contact Tonia Edmundson at 623-773-7764. Closed-toe shoes are required. Water and garbage bags will be provided.

Peoria Planetpalooza Earth Day Festival

Planetpalooza is all about teaching kids sustainability and food, music, crafts and a kids zone make it fun.(Photo: Courtesy of City of Peoria)

Celebrate Earth Day in Peoria by getting educated on ways to protect the planet by being more sustainable. There will be prizes, food trucks, music, crafts, an Eco Kids zone and more at the third annual festival.

Buffalo Exchange Earth Day $1 sale

A selection of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories will be available for $1 apiece, cash only and bring your own bag. Proceeds benefit The 5 Gyres Institute and its efforts to research plastic pollution in the oceans and encourage communities toward responsible disposable of plastics.

Puppet shows? Movies? Chalk art? What can you do to keep the kids busy so they don't sass you (or try some crazy shenanigan that drives you up the wall)?
Wochit

Chandler Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration

Show your appreciation for the Earth at this family-friendly celebration. It features crafts, live animal presentations, info booths by eco-friendly organizations and businesses, and food and beverage vendors. There also will be an Arbor Day tree-planting dedication in Veterans Oasis Park.

Natural Grocers Way giveaway

There are several Natural Grocers locations around the metro Phoenix area.(Photo: Courtesy of Natural Grocers)

Drop by Natural Grocers on Sunday and receive a free reusable shopping bag and take the Ladybug Love Pledge to save beneficial insects and our ecosystem. Limit one bag per customer, with purchase, while supplies last.

Earth Day Celebration in Wickenburg

Staff and volunteers at the Hassayampa River Preserve will have discovery stations along the trails to teach visitors how to protect the Earth. Stations will feature info on how to recycle, what “eco-friendly” labels really mean and how to reduce the amount of trash we produce.

Past events

Party for the Planet! at the Phoenix Zoo

The day features plenty of Earth-friendly events and activities. Start by bringing your used clothing, bedding, shoes and other textiles to drop off. The American Textile Recycling Service is paying the Phoenix Zoo for each pound of recyclable material received. Head to Savanna Park for a bag-making station, and take part in a hands-on activity to learn how to identify trees. Make bugs out of recycled lids and other art supplies, watch as sheep are sheared, visit a bird-feed-making station and more.

Celebrate Mesa

Enjoy games, carnival rides, entertainment and more. Celebrate nature with hands-on interactive exhibits at the Living Green Village. The first 100 youths who fill out a passport in the village will get a free $5 wristband for unlimited rides. Highlights include gardening and composting demonstrations, photos at the tree-hugging booth, solar-cooking demonstrations, monarch butterflies and more.

Recycle Fashion Show and Art Festival, Surprise

The fifth annual event highlights recycled art as a practice that can contribute to the sustainability of the planet. The festival teaches kids and adults about the importance of recycling and reusing what might normally be thrown away. Enjoy music and entertainment, kids arts and crafts and info booths.